GREATER Anglia insist they will do their ‘utmost to protect our customers’ amid the growing threat of train guards going on strike.

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) announced on Tuesday morning it will ballot members on strike action and action short of strike.

The decision to move ahead with the balloting process was confirmed after RMT failed to receive the assurances they wanted with regards to the future role and responsibilities of guards on Greater Anglia trains.

Balloting will begin on August 21 and finish on September 12.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “Greater Anglia have been given every opportunity to give a guarantee on the future role of the guard on their services. They have failed to do so.

“RMT will not sit back and wait for the company any longer and we have no option but to proceed to ballot in order to protect safety and access on Greater Anglia services.

“The union remains available for further talks around the crucial issue of the guard guarantee.”

In response to the RMT’s decision to push ahead with the balloting process, Greater Anglia have offered assurances to both their guards and customers that everything will be done to resolve the situation.

The company also reaffirmed their stance that they have no plans to dispose of guards on their trains.

A Greater Anglia spokesmen said: “We have no intention to remove conductors from our trains. They are highly valued colleagues and they will continue to play an important role on our trains.

“Clearly we hope that industrial action can be avoided but we will do our utmost to protect our customers from any disruption it could cause.

“We are seeking further talks with the RMT to try and agree a way forward."